Acupuncture has been around for over 3,000 years, and it continues to be embraced more and more widely due to its genuine benefits. It has been shown to be effective in preventing disease, relieving pain, and promoting wellness. It accomplishes this by stimulating certain parts of the body with thin, sterile needles inserted into specific energy meridian pathways. Though it’s a common treatment, there are still many misconceptions surrounding it. At Orland Park Integrated Health, we work hard to dispel myths that prevent people from accessing acupuncture solutions that could make their lives better. Read on to learn more!
See Past These Acupuncture Myths
Many people avoid getting acupuncture for reasons without substance. This is unfortunate because acupuncture can greatly improve your quality of life. Here are some of the most common myths that should not get in your way.
Acupuncture is outdated.
- Yes, acupuncture is more than 3,000 years old, but there’s a reason it’s still around: it works. In fact, it has earned a place as a widely-accepted treatment for many different conditions. Groundwork is actually being laid to pave the way for acupuncture services to be covered by Medicare. Additionally, due to the rise of the opioid epidemic in the United States, doctors are trying to guide people toward natural solutions like acupuncture.
Acupuncture hurts.
- If the idea of treatment with needles makes you want to run away, you aren’t alone. Most of us grow up getting shots, IVs, and blood draws, which are all pretty unpleasant experiences involving needles. Here’s the thing: acupuncture needles and syringes are not the same. Acupuncture needles don’t need to deliver or withdraw fluid, so they are usually about the width of a human hair. When a needle is inserted, patients either feel a weak electrical sensation or a slight heaviness; that is all. These sensations are referred to as Qi (chi) energy. Acupuncture seeks to keep this energy flowing and healing in order to prevent disease and illness.
You’ll get addicted to acupuncture.
- Like any treatment, most patients need a few sessions to enjoy benefits. This is not the same as addiction. In fact, acupuncture is often used as a solution to addiction itself because it relieves stress and makes it easier to cope.
If you don’t get immediate results, acupuncture isn’t worth it.
- Each acupuncture patient is different. For some people, they experience results in two sessions. For others, they don’t see anything until their eighth treatment. The key is working with an acupuncturist skilled enough to fine-tune the treatment as you go. A talented acupuncturist will monitor your response and change the treatment to make it more effective sooner.
Acupuncture is expensive.
- If you assume that acupuncture comes with a significant price tag, you’re not alone. Many people think the same thing. However, it likely isn’t as expensive as you think. In general, you’ll pay $75 to $95 for an acupuncture intake and then $50 to $70 for following treatments. If that still seems too expensive, remember that more and more insurance companies are starting to cover natural methods like acupuncture.
Turn to Orland Park Integrated Health
We understand that when you’re struggling with pain or another health issue, you need solutions. Make an appointment with our office in Orland Park to learn about our physical therapy and comprehensive pain solutions today!